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Since ancient times, among the various arts and skills (Fangji, referring to traditional crafts including astronomy, divination, and medicine), such as astronomy, technical numerology (Shushu, involving esoteric calculations like Dunjia), geomancy (Kanyu, fengshui), divination (Bushi), and medicine: Astronomy is valued only by emperors; Technical numerology, specifically methods like Dunjia (a form of divination using time and space) and Fengjiao (wind observation for prediction), are valued only by military generals; The effects of Geomancy often manifest only after hundreds or dozens of years, making truth and falsehood difficult to discern; Physiognomy (Fengjian, face/body reading) may predict a person's wealth, status, and longevity, each possessing its own logic. Divination merely resolves doubts, whereas Medicine cannot be abandoned by anyone from the Son of Heaven (Emperor) to commoners. In treating diseases and determining life and death, during the processes of inspection (Wang), inquiry (Wen), and palpation (Qie), one must ascertain the cause of onset, the affected Zang organs, the involved meridians, the appropriate herbs, and the expected efficacy after administration. To restore the critically ill to health and the emaciated to fleshiness, and to elucidate these principles with divine clarity, is truly the most essential aspect among all arts and skills.

Humans are born endowing themselves with the Qi of Heaven and Earth and the Five Elements. The three Yang and three Yin meridians of the hand, along with the three Yang and three Yin meridians of the foot, combine to form the twelve primary meridians (Twelve Jing). These circulate and connect throughout the entire body, flowing continuously without interruption, and their pulse manifestations are reflected in the three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi) of both wrists. The Pulse is the mansion (Fu) of Blood; the pulse vessel does not move on its own but is driven by Qi, hence the method of Nine Palpations (Jiu Hou). The *Neijing* states: "The pulse is the mansion of blood." The *Shuowen Jiezi* explains: "Those whose structures branch out through the body, composed of the radical 'claw' and 'blood', are also written as 'mai' (pulse)." Hua Tuo stated: "The pulse is the precursor of Qi and Blood; when Qi and Blood are abundant, the pulse is vigorous; when deficient, it is weak; when blood is hot, the pulse is rapid (Shu); when cold, it is slow (Chi); when blood is scanty, the pulse is weak; when Qi and Blood are balanced, the pulse is moderate (Huan)." Wang Shuhe of the Jin Dynasty categorized pulses into Seven Exterior (Qi Biao) and Eight Interior (Ba Li) types, which can be considered detailed and thorough. However, due to the complexity of the text, learners find it difficult to fully comprehend. Cui Zixu of the Song Dynasty, relying on Difficulty Classic (Nanjing) Chapter 6 which focuses on Floating (Fu) and Sinking (Chen), and Chapter 9 which focuses on Slow (Chi) and Rapid (Shu), used these as the core principles to unify the study. The Seven Exterior and Eight Interior categories encompass myriad diseases. His theory posits that a Floating pulse indicates an Exterior syndrome and Yang condition, resulting from external pathogens; if forceful, it indicates Wind; if forceless, it indicates Qi deficiency; Floating and forceless corresponds to Kong (Hollow) pulse; Floating and forceful corresponds to Hong (Surging) pulse. A Sinking pulse indicates an Interior syndrome and Yin condition, resulting from internal injury; if forceful, it indicates accumulation/stagnation; if forceless, it indicates Qi deficiency; extremely small and sinking corresponds to Wei (Micro) pulse; pressing to the bone corresponds to Fu (Hidden) pulse; forceless corresponds to Ruo (Weak) pulse. A Slow pulse indicates a Yin condition and Cold, resulting from internal factors; if forceful, it indicates pain; if forceless, it indicates cold sensation; slightly faster than slow corresponds to Huan (Moderate) pulse. Short and thin corresponds to Se (Choppy) pulse; forceless corresponds to Ru (Soggy) pulse. A Rapid pulse indicates a Yang condition and Heat, resulting from external factors; if forceful, it indicates excess heat; if forceless, it indicates sores/ulcers; extremely wiry and rapid corresponds to Jin (Tight) pulse; forceful corresponds to Xian (Wiry) pulse; smooth and flowing corresponds to Hua (Slippery) pulse. Other distinctions such as the Nine Channels and Six Extremes, the differentiation of the Triple Burner and Zang organs, as well as the methods of palpation and prescriptions for treatment, contain profound mysteries all contained within the six main pulse qualities. The masters of that era, passing down knowledge through lineage, were all renowned physicians; their secrets likely did not extend beyond this framework. Learners should seek understanding here.